2025 AGENDA

Tuesday,13 May 2025

11:00 - 11:10
Opening Remarks

11:10 – 11:20 (10 Mins)
Governmental keynote

Government as growth catalysts: Regulating and accelerating media-tech innovation
This session is designed to equip policymakers with strategies to foster competitive yet responsible media ecosystems, addressing content sovereignty, emerging tech adoption, and infrastructure investments.
  • Balancing innovation with content integrity in rapidly evolving media landscapes
  • Policy frameworks enabling next-gen satellite tech and 5G broadcasting infrastructure
  • Public-private models driving MENA's $23.6B media-tech sector growth (Statista 2025 projection)
  • Case Study: UAE's National Program for Digital Transformation impact on broadcast digitization

11:10 – 11:30 (10 Mins)
Keynote

Market outlook: The future of media & entertainment in MEASA
This session will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of media and entertainment in the MEASA region, with a focus on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. This session will delve into how AI is reshaping content creation, distribution, and consumption across various platforms.
  • AI personalisation: How can you boost viewer engagement by up to 60% in MEASA?
  • ML content recommendations: How can you reduce streaming churn by 25-30% in emerging markets?
  • AI in production: 3 keys to cut post-production time by 40% in MEASA.

11:30 – 12:00 (30 Mins)
Panel

The power shift: Who controls the narrative now?
This integrated session will dissect how AI and streaming dominance are reshaping media control, content discovery, and global market strategies.
  • How ML-driven personalisation (recommendations, bundling) and rich media tools (interactive previews, dynamic thumbnails) now dictate 30%+ of content discovery, redefining platform competition
  • How you can balance global scale with hyper-local relevance: Strategies for traditional media to pivot (e.g., hybrid AVOD- SVOD models) and streaming services to win in fragmented markets.
  • Cloud + edge computing’s role in latency reduction (sub-2s load times) and AI’s impact on real-time content creation (synthetic media, automated editing)
  • Who owns viewer attention? Decoding the shift from legacy broadcasters to algorithm-curated ecosystems and creator- driven platforms

12:00 – 12:20 (20 mins)
Panel

News reimagined: Merging TV’s authority with TikTok’s velocity
This session explores how traditional broadcasters, and digital platforms can synergise to engage Gen Z audiences (67% of MENA’s population) while maintaining journalistic integrity.
With 76% of MENA youth distrusting traditional news but consuming 83% of content via TikTok, experts will decode strategies to balance brevity, trust, and revenue in today’s fragmented media landscape.
  • Adapt TV investigations for TikTok: Learn to condense 30- minute reports into 60-second clips (like Al Jazeera’s viral series) using AI tools that slash production time 50% while retaining depth
  • Combat misinformation with AI: Deploy AFP’s 500k+/day video scans (94% accuracy) and Sky News’ AR overlays (+35% credibility) to build trust in a distrustful Gen Z (76% MENA distrust traditional news)
  • Monetise cross-platform: Blend TikTok shoppable ads (44% purchase rate) with TV sponsorships to counter MENA’s 8% annual ad decline, mirroring CNBC Arabia’s revenue- adaptive model.

12:20 – 13:00 (40 Mins)
Panel

Content is king, but distribution is queen: Navigating the MENA marketplace
This session will discuss the forces shaping the global content market and how creators can thrive.
  • Regional content surge: Explore the drivers behind the global popularity of regional cinema, including cultural authenticity, streaming platform investments, and audience demand for diverse storytellings
  • Hollywood's adaptation: Analyse how the U.S. entertainment industry is navigating the shift towards global content, including international collaborations, localisation strategies, and the impact on traditional production models
  • Creator empowerment: Examine new models for measuring content ROI, increasing transparency in revenue sharing, and leveraging data analytics to empower creators in the evolving digital marketplace

13:20 – 14:00 (40 mins)
Panel

Entertainment's tech tonic: Innovation, integration, and immersion
This session will explore the latest technological advancements transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Harnessing AI and the cloud: How to leverage AI for personalised content experiences and cloud technology for scalable, flexible streaming
  • Optimising delivery and security: How to enhance streaming quality through CDN optimisation and implement advanced security measures against emerging threats
  • Innovating with edge and integration: How to utilise edge computing for interactive entertainment and explore super- app concepts in OTT platforms

14:00 – 14:40 (40 mins)
Panel

Content alchemy: Transforming ideas into multi-platform gold
This session will explore cutting-edge techniques for content creation in the multi-platform era.
  • Cross-platform adaptation: How to seamlessly tailor content for TV, web, and social media while maintaining quality and brand consistency
  • Data-driven personalisation: How to leverage AI and data for content personalisation without compromising creative integrity
  • Sustainable and global creation: How to implement eco- friendly content production practices and effectively manage diverse, cross-cultural creative teams

14:40 – 15:00 (20 mins)
Keynote

The short game: Engaging audiences in seconds!
This session will explore the explosive growth of short-form content and its impact on the industry.
  • Monetisation mastery: How to leverage short-form content for engagement through creator funds, premium subscriptions (e.g., TikTok Series), and shoppable videos, balancing ad- supported and direct revenue models
  • E-commerce integration: How platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok are blending entertainment with commerce via in- app purchases, affiliate links, and live-shopping features to drive conversions
  • Micro-drama momentum: How bite-sized storytelling (5–15 minute episodes) capitalises on mobile-first audiences, with sustainability hinging on production scalability and platform algorithm support

15:00 – 15:45 (45 mins)
Panel

The business of cinema: Trends, challenges and opportunities
This session will explore the evolving landscape of the cinema business, covering key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry.
We will discuss revenue models, audience engagement strategies, and the impact of digital transformation on theatrical distribution and content consumption.
  • Post-pandemic cinema trends – Recovery, audience behaviour shifts, and the rise of premium experiences
  • Streaming vs. theatrical release – Strategies for coexistence and maximizing revenue
  • Emerging revenue models – From ticketing innovations to in- theater advertising and event cinema
  • Technology’s role in cinema – AI, immersive experiences (VR/AR), and next-gen projection technologies
  • Global and regional market insights – Opportunities for growth in the MENA region and beyond.

16:00 – 16:05
Closing remarks

Wednesday,14 May 2025

11:10 - 11:50 (40 mins)
Panel

Digital transformation: Navigating disruption, competition and growth
This session will navigate the digital transformation of the media industry and its impact on advertising and competition.
  • Advertising evolution: How to optimise digital ad spend and leverage social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for maximum impact in the evolving media consumption landscape
  • Competitive strategies: How regional streaming players can differentiate and compete with global giants, with a focus on SVOD market trends in the GCC and beyond
  • Data-driven growth: How to effectively utilise viewer data and AI for content acquisition, audience growth, and operational efficiency, while navigating regulatory considerations in the GCC

12:00 – 12:15 (15 mins)
Keynote

The CTV shift: Ads, audiences and impact
Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms allow broadcasters to gather insights from vast amounts of data, including viewing preferences and location.
This session will discuss the rise of the Connected TV and its implications for advertising and viewing habits.
  • How to leverage advanced analytics and machine learning to effectively target CTV audiences with relevant ads based on viewing preferences and location data
  • How to overcome challenges in measurement and attribution within the fragmented CTV landscape, developing unified metrics for cross-platform campaigns
  • How to create engaging CTV advertising experiences that enhance rather than disrupt viewing, and how to capitalise on the resurgence of shared viewing in the living room

12:15 - 12:45 (30 mins)
Panel

Next-gen sports broadcasting: Innovation, engagement, and the future of fan experience
This session explores the future of sports media, focusing on how emerging technologies and streaming platforms are transforming fan engagement, with a spotlight on the MENA region.
  • Next-Gen production and monetisation: How to enhance live sports coverage and monetise rights effectively through OTT platforms in MENA
  • AI-powered fan engagement: How to leverage AI and interactive features to revolutionise fan experiences, with a focus on Gen Z preferences
  • Immersive sports ecosystems: How to create profitable, immersive sports experiences using VR/AR while balancing stakeholder interests

12:45 - 13:00 (15 mins)
Fireside chat

Broadcasting with impact: Health, safety, and sustainability in media
This session explores the intersection of health, safety, and sustainability in the broadcasting industry.
  • Safety protocols in live production: Examining best practices to ensure the health and safety of broadcast crews in high- pressure environments
  • Sustainable media practices that highlight how the broadcasting industry is adopting green technologies to reduce its environmental footprint
  • Mental health and well-being strategies that support the mental and physical health of professionals working in the broadcast industry
  • Innovative technologies for safe production leverage AI and remote production tools to enhance safety and improve production efficiency
  • The future of eco-conscious broadcasting explores emerging trends in sustainability and the push toward carbon-neutral operations in the media industry

13:00 - 13:30 (30 mins)
Panel

Placing bets: Winning investment strategies in media consolidation
This session will examine how investors are evaluating the media landscape and where they are placing their bets.
  • Streaming viability: Evaluating the long-term sustainability of streaming services
  • Sports investment: Analysing the surge in sports team and league acquisitions
  • AI impact: Assessing AI's role in content creation and its investment potential

13:30 - 14:00
Panel

Gen Z & Alpha: Creating content for tomorrow's viewers
This session explores how the youngest audiences consume content in the digital age and brings together leading creators, producers, and platforms to discuss the evolving landscape of kids' content.
We'll delve into the platforms, formats, and trends that resonate with these demographics, discuss how to create engaging content, and explore innovative approaches to storytelling.
  • Platform preferences and why: Uncover the dominant platforms for kids' content consumption
  • Interactive storytelling: How to engage kids through immersive experiences
  • Responsible content: Discuss creating ethical, educational, and age-appropriate content

14:00 - 14:30 (30 mins)

Film commissions and their role in media production
This session brings together leading film commissions to discuss their vital role in supporting and attracting media production.
We'll explore the incentives, resources, and infrastructure they provide, as well as their impact on local talent development and economic growth within the region.
  • Unlock incentives: Understand the financial and logistical support film commissions offer to productions
  • Navigate resources: Learn about available locations, facilities, and local talent pools
  • Foster collaboration: Discover opportunities for partnerships and co-productions with the region

14:30 - 15:00 (30 mins)
Panel

The connectivity imperative: Unlocking digital access and driving global growth
This session will explore the crucial role of connectivity in enabling access to digital content and driving growth.
  • How can governments and businesses collaborate to improve broadband access in underserved communities?
  • What are the most effective strategies for reaching and engaging consumers in diverse markets with varying connectivity?
  • How can technology be leveraged to overcome challenges related to limited connectivity and infrastructure?

15:30 - 15:45 (15 mins)
Panel

Mastering the future of post-production: Cutting-edge editing, VFX and colour grading
Step into the cutting edge of post-production with this hands-on masterclass. Discover the latest innovations in editing, VFX, and color grading, and learn how to optimize your workflow using industry-leading tools. Gain practical insights from top professionals and explore advanced techniques that elevate your creative projects to the next level.
  • Next-Gen toolset: Hands-on experience with industry-leading post-production software, focusing on advanced editing, VFX, and colour grading techniques
  • Workflow optimisation: Strategies to enhance efficiency without sacrificing quality, including AI-assisted tools and cloud-based collaboration
  • Future-proofing skills: Insights into emerging technologies and trends shaping the future of post-production

15:45 - 15:50
Closing Remarks

Thursday,15 May 2025

11:10 - 13:10 (120 mins)
Masterclass

  • Crafting compelling narratives across platforms
  • Explore seamless narrative creation across TV, streaming, social media, and live events, includes powerful case studies from successful transmedia storytelling.

15:10 – 17:10 (120 mins)
Masterclass

    • Advanced post-production techniques
    • Focus on innovations in editing, VFX, and colour grading. This masterclass will focus on hands-on demos of industry-standard tools for workflow efficiency.
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